While my son was skiing in Małe Ciche, near Zakopane, I found the perfect excuse to leave behind the ski slopes and take a snowy hike with my camera. As I walked through the quiet hills, the world seemed to slow down, and then I came across something unexpected — a small chapel hidden within the folds of the Tatra Mountains.

Discovering a Hidden Piece of History

The moment I saw the chapel, I was struck by how it stood there — peaceful, resilient, and full of stories. Built in 1906 by Bartłomiej Pawlikowski, a local farmer, it was intended to serve the community of Tarasówka, offering a place of worship close to home. Bartłomiej gathered stones from a nearby creek and carried them on his back to slowly build this chapel, year by year.

When Bartłomiej’s son, Franciszek, was drafted into the First World War, his father continued building, praying for his safe return. After years of hardship, Franciszek came home, and the chapel became a symbol of gratitude, faith, and perseverance.

A Community’s Legacy

The chapel wasn’t just Bartłomiej’s work; it was a community effort. In the 1940s, locals helped restore the altar, and the Kun family donated sacred images. Over time, it became a center of prayer, especially during the Święto Bacowskie (Shepherd’s Festival), a cherished annual tradition celebrating faith and heritage.

A Winter Moment Captured

I arrived on a quiet afternoon, with the soft winter light perfect for capturing the chapel’s humble resilience. The challenge was balancing the bright snow to maintain texture and detail. I adjusted shadows and clarity to preserve the scene’s serene atmosphere.

A Story in Every Stone

Today, the Kaplica na Tarasówce remains a symbol of the local community’s identity. Year after year, locals and visitors gather to honor its history. It’s humbling to witness its endurance through over a century of change.

The gently falling snowflakes added to the chapel’s quiet beauty. Sometimes, the most meaningful stories are those we stumble upon quietly, hidden in the landscape, waiting to be found.

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